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Brain 1 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

No, I am not referred to the uber popular book that had many in various stages of quiver. I am referring to how the decisions we make based on what we read or hear. Our brain is very much in love with the single answer approach-something is right or it is wrong, period. The sense of assuredness allows us to live within the framework of comfort and security. With the exception of things like, a boiling pot of water being hot enough to blister your skin, there are more areas where "maybe's" and "possibly's" should supplant the absolutes of yes or no-right or wrong.

News headlines are constantly stating opinions as fact; as are the financial news and the talking heads who populate that domain. Our brains hear statements and then depending on whether we believe the source is reliable or worse, we agree with their statements (not that we can really tell), we decide whether or not to act.

Here are a few areas where absolutes should be avoided:

1. The direction of the stock market in the short-term, or worse, the direction of a specific stock

2. The timing and degree of interest rate changes

3. The cause and effect of political decisions or non-decisions on investments

4. The impact of global issues on the profitability of global corporations

5. Anything relating to gold or other commodities

Making firm decisions based on absolutes should be confined to your personal values and goals and what you can control.

A few examples might be:

1. Pre-funding college education for your children is a part of your values and therefore something to include in your plans.

2. Saving for retirement is vitally important and therefore actively contributing to your plan is necessary